Short Summary
Cherie Currie is best known as the lead vocalist of the 1970s all-girl rock band, The Runaways. Her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence made her a standout figure in the rock music scene. After leaving the band, she pursued a solo career and ventured into acting and writing. Currie's contributions to music and her role as a pioneering female rocker have left an indelible mark on the industry.
Early Life & Education
Cherie Ann Currie was born on November 30, 1959, in Los Angeles, California. She grew up in Encino, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, with her twin sister, Marie, and two other siblings. Her father worked in the film industry, which exposed her to the world of entertainment from an early age. Currie attended Taft High School, where she developed an interest in music and performance. Influenced by the glam rock movement and artists like David Bowie, she was drawn to the stage, setting the foundation for her future career in music.
Career Highlights
Cherie Currie's career took off when she joined The Runaways in 1975, becoming the band’s lead singer at just 15 years old. Her tenure with the band was marked by high-energy performances and hit songs like "Cherry Bomb." After leaving The Runaways in 1977, she released a solo album, "Beauty's Only Skin Deep," and collaborated with her sister Marie on the album "Messin' with the Boys." Additionally, Currie pursued acting, appearing in films such as "Foxes" alongside Jodie Foster. Her varied career showcases her versatility as an artist.
Major Achievements
- Lead vocalist for The Runaways, a pioneering all-girl rock band from the 1970s.
- Released a successful solo album, "Beauty's Only Skin Deep," in 1978.
- Collaborated with her twin sister, Marie Currie, on the album "Messin' with the Boys" in 1980.
- Acted in the film "Foxes" (1980), marking her transition to acting.
- Published an autobiography, "Neon Angel," detailing her experiences in the music industry.
Famous Quotes
- "I was just a kid who got lucky, but I was captivated by the music and the fans."
- "Performing live is like being on a roller coaster; it's thrilling and terrifying all at once."
Interesting Facts
- She was only 15 years old when she joined The Runaways.
- Cherie Currie became a chainsaw artist later in life, creating intricate wood sculptures.
- The song "Cherry Bomb," performed by The Runaways, was written specifically for her audition.
- She survived a challenging upbringing, which she candidly shares in her autobiography.
- Currie's story and The Runaways were adapted into a film in 2010, with Dakota Fanning portraying her.
Legacy / Influence
Cherie Currie's influence as a frontwoman in a predominantly male rock industry broke barriers for future female musicians. Her bold style and unapologetic approach to music and performance challenged gender norms and inspired countless women to pursue careers in rock music. Currie's legacy lives on through her music, writing, and the impact she had on redefining the role of women in rock.
FAQ
Q: Why is Cherie Currie famous?
A: Because of her role as the lead singer of the groundbreaking all-girl rock band, The Runaways.
Q: What is one of Cherie Currie's notable songs?
A: "Cherry Bomb," a signature hit from her time with The Runaways.
Q: What other career did Cherie Currie pursue apart from music?
A: She pursued acting and became a chainsaw artist later in life.
